Home and camera-less

We're back from San Diego... again!
So, where are the pictures of the beautiful flower fields we saw?
How about the girls on the gondola ride?
Or, my favorite... the video of Allison feeding the squirrels on the beach?

Well, I am very sad to report that our camera was stolen from our stroller at Sea World. It was first thing in the morning, so I was kind of hoping my pregnancy brain had set it down in the bathroom or something and somebody would turn it in by the end of the day. But, alas... no camera! What a bummer, huh? So, I'm not sure when I'll have fun pics on my blog again. It may be kind of boring for a while. Sorry!?!??!?

We love My Gym!

Today was our little neighbor's 3rd birthday party, and it was held at My Gym. Allison, too, celebrated her 3rd birthday at My Gym, and absolutely loved it! Unfortunately, she was quite tired and fussy tonight, but both her and Natalie still seemed to have a great time. The director of the center, Ashley, happens to be one of my former students. It's amazing to see what an awesome young lady she's turned out to be! Here's a little video of one of their fun games:

We're going zone!

I've heard it said that going from 2 kids to 3 is like switching from man-to-man defense to zone defense... We're going zone! Check out our newest widget for the approximate age/ date!

The rare sharing picture!

While the Yehground continues to be a hit with the girls, they are now at the age where they both usually want the same swing. So, I decided to put them both on at the same time, and it actually worked... they got along great and enjoyed pretending they were on a carousel. I love it when they have fun together!

Popovers

Last night we grilled some salmon and asparagus, and I couldn't decide what to make as a side dish. Then it occurred to me... One of my favorite things my mom used to make as a kid was popovers. I always thought they were such a special treat and such a big deal! Now as an adult, I realize they are actually quite simple:

POPOVERS
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1 cup flour
1/2 tsp. salt
Mix and bake in a greased muffin pan at 400 until golden brown on top.

Personally, I still really enjoyed them. And, now my girls love them, too!

Paint with Water

Today we went to Target, which inevitably means we came home with some things that were not on our list. The first was a book about the real reason we celebrate Easter... something we don't yet have, but I think is very important! Of course, that pulled us into the kids book section and I found some fun paint-with-water books. We haven't done that in a while, so I decided it was time. Anyway, do you remember the dots being so dark and obvious when we were little? Somehow, I have the memory of faint dots and trying to guess what color would come up?!? It could just be my memory... probably is! Anyway, it made for a fun, simple afternoon activity.

Facebook Conclusion

Ok, my friends... I have given in and joined Facebook! There are some fun things about it. For instance, I did get to reconnect with some friends from my elementary years. (How they found me, I still don't know!) But, it is a bit overwhelming. I think, at least for now, I will still be more of a blogger. Thanks so much for all your comments about FB!

Simple... Sweet... Fun!

Today was a glorious rainy day. It didn't start out so glorious... our kitchen was still a mess from the night before, and I attempted to make pancakes and kept reading the directions wrong! But, it sparked something in me to spend the whole day listening to worship music and cleaning! Now I get to go to bed early in a clean house. Aaaah....
Oh, so what is that picture on the right? Last weekend we went to Claremont's Spring Fair, and it was so awesome. It was in the Packing House, which is an old converted building full of character, which I just love. First, the girls got to paint a cup in front of the museum. Then, we went to the kids craft studio, where they made these lovely spring plates. You just decoupage some tissue paper to a plate, add foamies, then punch holes for some pipe cleaner and you're done! The girls loved it! The final stop was Young Chef's Academy, where they decorated a cookie on a stick, and got to wrap it to take home. All this for FREE! Oh, and we went after naptime, which meant we were practically the only ones there. And, we got to sit on the Easter bunny's lap! Sadly, I forgot my camera :(

Backyard Flowers

Happy Spring.... still!

Happy First Day of Spring!

Happy First Day of spring! I had my MOPS meeting this morning, where we made yummy calzones to take home and cook for dinner! That meant instead of having to rush back inside to make dinner this afternoon, I was able to relax and watch the girls paint away! The recipe is pretty simple and I believe I posted it before, but here it is again: equal parts water and corn starch, then add food coloring!
Anyway, these pictures are incomplete without the dialogue that went on:
Allison: "Look Mom, I'm making the tomb they put Jesus in! Here is the heavy rock to roll in front!"
Natalie: "Look, I making tomb, too!"
Mom: "Don't you just love painting outside?"
Allison: "Yes, and I love tombs!"

I also let the girls try some root beer with their special dinner. Natalie didn't even want to try it... Allison loved it! Personally, I am a bit of a root beer snob. Once I tasted Henry Weinhard's, it was all over for me. No other root beer will do!
I don't know what was better... the delicous aroma of a cooking calzone, the yummy first bite, or the fact that I didn't have to spend my afternoon cooking!

Some Friday Humor (or Cruelty!)

Disney Day

We spent a fun half-day at Disneyland, today. The best part? The new Toy Story ride at California Adventure. I didn't know anything about it, so I won't ruin your surprise... but it's a blast!

St. Patrick's Day Preschool

Happy St. Patrick's Day, friends! I hope you didn't get pinched! My friend K did a super job leading our preschool, today. We started the morning outside with a shamrock hunt, and a game of leprauchan tag.
We read a St. Patrick's Day book, and learned the real reason we celebrate... the shamrock represents the trinity!
We painted little pots 3 different shades of green, where we later planted some shamrock seeds... can't wait to watch those grow! We also used bell peppers to stamp a shamrock on paper!

We counted gold coins, and searched for them when the leprauchan hid them!

We learned about patterns, and glued in the correct order.

And, of course, we ate a green lunch with both green jello and green shamrock cookies for dessert!
Most of all, we had lots of fun! Thanks, K!

St. Paddy's Day Art

I have lots to write about, but we've been busy... and tired! So, here's just a quick peak at our St. Patrick's Day art... we just used our leftover Valentine's heart stamp to make a shamrock! I'm sure we'll be doing lots more green crafts tomorrow at preschool... I'll let you know!

To Facebook or not to Facebook....

... That is the question! I have had so many people try to get me to do Facebook. In fact, I think I even signed-up a few years ago, but I have never done it! So, my question to you is... will joining facebook consume all my "free time," which I don't really possess right now, anyway?!?!? And, if so is it worth it? Facebook users, please comment. :)

Painted nails

We had lots of fun painting nails, today. The girls were so unbelievably patient! First, they let me cut all their nails. Then, I put on the polish. Last, we added some bling with these little stick-on rhinestones. They were tough to put on, let me tell you! SO TINY!! So, after all that hard work and patience, the girls were very careful not to touch anything until their nails dried. And then... they pulled off all the rhinestones and that was that! How sad... after all that patience! At least I was able to get a picture to blog about!

Easter egg fun

Sometimes it's the simplest activities that turn out to be the most fun! Yesterday I cut out some ovals, (Easter eggs), from some old coffee filters that don't fit my coffee maker. We then filled an ice cube tray with water and put drops of food coloring inside. The girls then used q-tips to decorate their Easter eggs. I was so impressed at how pretty the eggs turned out! I was also very excited about how "into" the project the girls were. I think Natalie lasted about a half hour, and Allison a good 45 minutes! Now, what should I do with all these pretty eggs? Perhaps we can hang them from our tree?

Little Girl, Big Questions!

On February 28, we were driving to Henry's when Allison asked, "Mom.. How do I live with Jesus forever?" Of course, I was caught completely off-guard and wondered if this was the right time and place to explain salvation and invite her to pray. Well, duh! So, I explained sin and our need for a savior the best I could to a 3 1/2 year old, and she said she believed and wanted to pray for Jesus to come into her heart. Isn't that exciting?

So, I thought the tough part was over... ha! Apparently, the questions/ comments were just beginning. Over the past 2 weeks, here are just a few of the questions/ comments I can remember...

“I have lots of questions in my heart for Jesus.”
“Why did God put sin in an apple?”
“I’m going to hold on to Jesus forever. I love Him SO much!”
“I can feel Jesus in my heart.”
“Why did Jesus have to die?”
“Why do so many people think Jesus can’t love them because of sin?”

Wow, huh? I have one deep-thinker!

La Habra Children's Museum

Today we headed to La Habra Children's Museum for our preschoool field trip. First, we stopped at my favorite Asian bakery to buy a few goodies for our picnic lunch. The museum is a little pricey for a kids' museum, but the kids did have a blast! Apparently, the first Saturday of the month is free, but because it is a fairly small place, I think I would rather pay and avoid the crowds! The highlight for my girls was grocery shopping and dress-up, whereas Kelly's boys loved the bus and trains! Go figure! Afterwards, we ate lunch in some bleachers, then the kids played at the park, which is right outside the museum. Lovely day!

Shoe storage

So, Daniel's 10 days off wasn't all fun and games. (Actually, yes it was... even doing "work" as a family is fun!) Before our trip, we were able to get into full spring cleaning mode! I already showed you the gardening pictures. We also cleaned out the garage, and my husband decided it was time to do something about our shoe problem. Luckily, he had just enough scrap wood to whip this piece together. I was so impressed! You know, it's the little things that bring such joy... working together as a family, and pulling into the garage and seeing organized shoes!

San Diego part 3

Our 3rd and final day of our trip was spent at Legoland. I must admit, I had low expectations as I heard it wasn't really a toddler place. However, we were shocked at how much we loved it! In fact, there was quite a bit to do since our "little" Natalie is exactly 34 inches, (the minimum requirrement for most rides). Above, Alison is proudly displaying her "Driver's license" from the toddler driving school, and Natalie is giggling her way through the plane ride. Once again, we had virtually no lines the entire day and gorgeous weather... I love San Diego! And, once again, (for grandma), I have posted several more pictures below.

Ok, I have to comment here... we found a place selling "granny apple fries with whip cream dip." Since we love trying out new foods, we had to give these a try. They were awesome! But, definitely not in the healthy category!

One more comment... They had a firefighting ride, where each family has to pump to move your firetruck to a fire, get off the truck and squirt a hose until the "fire" is out, then get back in and pump your truck back. It is literally a race, and they announce the winners. We came in 3 out of 4! (Daniel blames the girls :) )